Hairspray's Nikki Blonksky Is Working at a Salon In Between Acting Gigs and Why I Think That's Just Great!

I have one of those weird minds where the most random things stick with me—especially things to do with pop culture. And one of those was the story of how Nikki Blonsky scored the role of Tracy Turnblad in the big screen version of Hairspray back in 2007. I remember watching a segment on one of the entertainment news shows where Adam Shankman, the movie's director, walked into a Coldstone Creamery where the then high school senior was working and told her she got the part. I just loved that this high school senior from Long Island with no prior Hollywood experience (or connections) got this hugely coveted and high-profile part with just a kick-ass audition. And the fact that she didn't look like every other girl in Hollywood made me like her even more. It wasn't like I became a huge Nikki fan after that but I enjoyed her performance in *Hairspray *and always curious what she was up to and happy to hear when she landed a new role.

So, I was actually just as happy for Nikki when I read in Newsday that she has earned her cosmetology license and is working part time at Superstar Hairstylists in Great Neck, NY. And it's a report that Nikki is confirming on Twitter, saying "Its true Im workin@ Superstar Salon as a makeup artist & more Im proud 2 b workin & helpin pay bills BUT ill NEVER loose sight of my dreams."

About six months ago there was a rumor that Nikki was selling shoes at a boutique in the same neighborhood—a report she vehemently denied. But this time, Nikki is embracing her new calling and I think it's fabulous. She went on to tweet, "just cause Im part time workin doesnt mean Im gonna give up on my dreams n dont give up on urs I might book something big soon keep positive." That "big" thing might be a part in the upcoming big screen adaptation of Les Miserables, a dream she put out there on Twitter saying, "every1 workin on the new Les Miserables Movie How bout me 4 Eponine On my Own Ive sung 4 years & I have done a movie musical! Think about it."

Nikki, I just want to tell you that I think you're a rock star and there are a lot of jobless actresses out there that could take a lesson (or two) from you. There is not one person out there—famous or not—that hasn't taken a job that isn't necessarily their dream job in order to pay the bills. I have friends in the theater that go from standing ovations one week to taking odd jobs the next. And it's not like you've given up. You're still auditioning and putting your dreams out there. I desperately wanted to be a ballerina when I was a kid but my teacher told me that my hips were too wide, boobs too big and feet were too flat. I haven't seen a tutu since. I wish more people out there just followed their heart and recognized that good things are worth waiting for and working towards. I hope no one convinces you any differently! And next time I need my make-up done, I'm calling you!

What do you think of Nikki's career detour? Do you think she'll find her way back to Hollywood? What would you do if you were in her shoes? Fill me in!